Stay Resilient always_ Tinubu task ministers

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu swore in seven new ministers at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, following their confirmation by the Senate on October 31. The ministers took their oaths in two groups—four in the first batch and three in the second. The first group included Idi Maiha (Minister of Livestock Development), Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development), Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad (State, Education), and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State, Foreign Affairs). The second batch included Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), and Muhammadu Dingyadi (Minister of Labour and Employment).

This follows a significant cabinet reshuffle on October 23, where President Tinubu reassigned 10 ministers, discharged five others, and nominated seven new ministers for Senate approval. In his address, the President urged the new ministers to remain focused despite criticism, emphasizing the challenging times Nigeria faces in terms of economic growth and security. He expressed confidence that their resilience would contribute to the nation’s progress, thanking the National Assembly for their swift and thorough screening process.

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President Tinubu also highlighted progress in reducing Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97% when he took office to 65% today, although recent projections indicated a potential rise to 110.4% in 2024. Despite these challenges, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the country is on a path to economic recovery, emphasizing the importance of facing tough reforms head-on to secure a better future for the next generation.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, noted that the cabinet reshuffle was necessary to maintain the momentum of the administration, comparing it to refueling a plane mid-flight. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila urged the new ministers to stay focused and avoid distractions, praising their qualifications and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The new ministers also outlined their priorities. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, committed to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly in strengthening democracy and engaging the diaspora to enhance development. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade and Investment, emphasized the need to boost the AfCFTA to support Nigerian businesses and attract investment. Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, outlined plans to improve livestock infrastructure and promote food security by integrating various farmable animals and attracting foreign investment to the sector.